PROFILE: Great Earth Expeditions offers unique, customized adventures

Ryan Barry is running a successful tourism business and is about to prepare Great Earth Expeditions for the international community.

It was about 11 years ago, when working for one of the many hotels in Halifax, that Ryan Barry decided to use the expertise he had gained over the years and make a go of it on his own in the tourism industry. Fast forward to 2017, and Barry is not only running a successful tourism business, but he is about to prepare Great Earth Expeditions for the international community.

Operating his own company, Barry had his eyes set on the international stage from the moment he got the taste for the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning his own business.

As have many young Maritimers, Barry originally headed west, where he worked in hotels in Alberta to gain necessary knowledge and experience before pursuing a career at home.

“Working as a bell person and a concierge, people would ask me where to go and what to see and I would send people to places that I knew of that nobody else knew of — even very few locals,” recalls Barry. People would come back with rave reviews of these “untouched gems” that he had recommended, and often suggest that he start his own business.

Three years into his hotel experience, he began writing his business plan based on what people were giving for feedback and what the up to date trends were in the industry and that time.

He explains that he “went to the bank and the next day they asked how much he needed — they were impressed by the plan — and here I am 11 years later.”

Great Earth Expeditions is a tourism company that accommodates people on any trip they would like to take. From Cape Breton to Iceland and beyond, Great Earth Expeditions has tapped into a niche market that has largely been ignored in recent years. With the recent addition of several experienced guides, Barry is confident that he will be able to maintain his reputation as a leading company in the community for years to come.

Catering to international tourists and young professionals who have the desire to get down to the root of things, Barry shares this passion with all of his guests. Each tour is very unique and customized for those taking the trip, as opposed to a bigger company that may have a more generic trip planned in hopes of hitting the popular spots, according to Barry.

Finding new places to travel and share with people is a constant challenge, but as Barry explains, he is hopeful that new staff and their drive to forge ahead, along with several new business partners will see Great Earth Expeditions thrive.

Continuing to grow and taking trips that he would not have initially thought possible with his humble business plan, Barry understands the emotional and financial roller coaster of working in a seasonal industry. Looking to expand beyond the May to October season, exploring different climates is the next logical step, according to Barry.

“I’ve always had a very strong passion for the outdoors and basically, after high school I wanted to find my fit as far as the working world goes,” explains Barry. Following an aptitude test, he was asked the life changing question: “Have you ever considered tourism?” and the rest is history, he says.

Looking ahead to the summer and the celebrations surrounding Canada 150, Barry is fully prepared for one of his busiest years yet. “With the opening of a store on the Halifax waterfront this year, we are busy and we are also going to start offering the tours abroad as well,” he explains.

Understanding the unpredictable nature of the tourism industry, Barry recognizes how important it is to remain current and continue to grow. As Great Earth Expeditions continues to expand, Barry’s expertise and love for Nova Scotia continues to grow and he is confident great things are waiting.